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SECTION 7 OVERVIEW ➤SPECIALTY PLANES In the heyday of plane-making, there were dozens of specialty planes manufactured, each having a very unique and specific function. Here are two examples. A quite odd-looking tool is the matched tongue-andgroove plane. Equipped with two handles and two irons, this plane can be pushed in one direction for cutting a groove and in the opposite direction to cut the mating tongue. A fence cast into the body of the plane guides each cut, and integral stops control the cutting depth. The swing-fence match plane also cuts a matching tongue-and-groove joint. Fitted with two separate irons to cut a tongue, the offset fence pivots to cover one iron and cut the corresponding groove. You can work this tongue-andgroove plane in either direction. This tongue-andgroove plane features an offset swinging fence. rabbeting. The jack-rabbet is essentially a bench plane with open sides. Its large size, extra mass, and handles will allow you to cut or smooth large rabbets with ease. The handles on this unusual plane tilt so that you can plane close to corners without banging your knuckles. Spokeshaves Spokeshaves have been around for centuries. They’re essentially a short-soled plane with handles on either side, and they’re the tool I reach for when smoothing and fairing bandsawn curves. Like many planes, spokeshaves are available in both wood and metal versions.With its low cutting angle, the wooden version is a true shave and is the best choice for working the green riven spindles of a A spokeshave is really a short-soled plane that is ideal for smoothing curves. Planes and Planing 137